Providing news, tips and advice in Canadian real estate market

Tag Archives: energy-efficient home improvements

There is perhaps nothing more annoying than receiving a high energy bill, especially when you have had as many heat waves as we have had this summer. While some of this might be obvious, we thought it might be a good idea give refresher on a couple ways to cut energy costs.

Close the blinds and curtains

While it may make it a little dark in the home, closing the blinds and curtains will keep the sun and any excessive heat out. This action will in turn prevent the air conditioner from having to run more frequently and for longer periods of time. If your home doesn’t have an air conditioner, it will also help keep the room temperature at bay in the home.

Appliances

Try running them on off peak times. Hydro companies charge less during these hours – check your service provider for rates and times.

Also, if budget permits, consider purchasing or replacing your appliances with green energy efficient products. You may also find that there are added incentives and discounts from manufacturers when purchasing such products.

Power Bars, electronics and lights

Make sure to turn off power bars, unplug electronics and turn off lights when not in use. You may be surprised at the amount of energy being used by them. Making this simple change will help to decrease your energy usage, helping to lower your costs.

Water Heater

Turn down your water heater! While we all enjoy having hot water, you may be surprised to find that you can still achieve the water temperature you desire even with your water heater set at a lower temperature. Remember: keeping it at a high temperature requires a significant more amount of energy.

Maintenance

Maintaining your home, its devices and appliances play an important role in energy efficiency. When your appliances aren’t maintained properly, they don’t run as efficiently and this can contribute to increased energy costs.

For coupons and more tips on saving energy visit www.saveonenergy.ca. This is a great resource for any home owner.

Homeowners tackling renovations may be eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000 when incorporating more energy-efficient solutions!

(NC)— The Government of Canada has renewed the ecoEnergy Retrofit—Homes Program from June 6, 2011 until March 31, 2012. What does this mean? Homeowners tackling renovations may be eligible to receive grants of up to $5,000 when incorporating more energy-efficient solutions.

Not sure where to start? The experts at The Home Depot Canada can help with a few of the most common home improvement projects that are eligible:

Remodeling the Bathroom

A cost-effective way to update the bathroom is to install a more modern vanity. Looking to a new unit similar in size to the existing footprint is smart—and a matching sink and new low-flow faucet will make the investment a good one. To take full advantage of the ecoEnergy Retrofit—Homes Program, consider adding one more update to the remodel—a new ecoEnergy approved low-flush or dual-flush toilet (that comes with a rebate of $65). This rebate can even be applied to up to four replacement toilets per home.

Finishing a Basement

A finished basement is a great place to entertain and enjoy as a family. Did you know that insulating this space could cut heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 per cent? Not to mention possible rebates of $125 to $1250. A warm basement and cash back—the perfect combination!

Winterizing for Cold Temps

With air leakage accounting for 30 to 40 per cent of total heat loss in a home, fixing drafts before the mercury dips can add up to big savings. Bigger projects, such as installing ENERGY STAR® qualified windows and doors, can save up to 12 per cent on the average energy bill and provide a rebate of $40 per rough opening (the structural framing in a wall or roof that separates a heated space from an unheated space—creating an opening for the installation of a window)

To find out more about the ecoEnergy Retrofit—Homes Program and whether other provincial incentives are available, visit www.homedepot.ca/ecoenergy